James William Profanato

James William Profanato, a Dutchess County resident since 1997, formerly of Yonkers, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Mount Sinai West in Manhattan. He was 52 years old.

Son of the late Joseph and Betty (Higginbotham) Profanato, he was born in Smithfield, NC on May 22, 1974.

Jim owned and operated Profanato Transport, a trucking company which he founded in 2001. He loved coaching football and served as an assistant coach at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, John Jay High School, and youth football. He had a passion for teaching the next generation, not only on the field but off the field as well. He was always there for those who needed him. His players always knew they could count on Coach Prof.

Jim also had a passion for koi fish. He had many ponds in his backyard and loved spending time outdoors tending to and admiring his koi. It was a hobby he cherished for 20 years and one that brought him great joy. Jim was a member of the Tri-State ZNA Koi Club and had many true friendships come from being a part of this club. We know he will be deeply missed. Jim's koi pond in heaven is truly more beautiful than could be imagined.

On April 13, 1997, he married his high-school sweetheart, Suzette Gonzalez, in Yonkers. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two children who were the center of Jim's world and his greatest source of pride. After nearly 30 years of marriage, his love for Suzette remained at the heart of the life they created together. Jim was especially excited to become a grandfather, and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild this November. Suzette survives him at their home in Hopewell Junction, NY.

Additional survivors include his son, Joe Profanato & his wife Amanda; his daughter, Alyssa Profanato & her fiancé A.J. Donofrio; his uncles and aunts, Stephen Klinger, Chris Higginbotham & Joanne McIntyre, and Michael & Celia Higginbotham; his mother-in-law, Annette Spada; as well as many cousins; Anthony, Nicole, & Ella Higginbotham, Michael, Casey, Emma, & Luke Higginbotham, Brittany Higginbotham, Brandon, Mason, and Luca Arce, Christopher Higginbotham, Ryan Klinger and other loving relatives, and countless dear friends whom he considered family.

Jim and Suzette's home was always a gathering place for family and friends. They hosted countless BBQs and holidays, where everyone was welcomed with open arms and made to feel at home. Jimmy lived by the motto, "go big or go home", and anyone who attended one of his gatherings knew he meant it. His family will carry on that tradition, honoring him at every BBQ and holiday for years to come.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, September 3 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00am on Friday, September 4 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill, NY. Interment will follow at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, 801 Route 9, Fishkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

For online tributes, visit James' memorial page at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.